I have been planning this trip for about 2 years on and off. In the summer of 2011 I thought it was time to sort it and do it, so I planned it for Aug 2012 thinking the weather would be ok in the country’s I wanted to visit. Then came the news that my work contract would not be renewed in February so I brought it forward and had to get my ass in gear, route planning, Visa’s, bike & kit prep. I thought I went back to the UK in Sept 2011 and while at my good friend Mitch’s house talking about the trip showing the route on Google earth. He hit me with a surprise “right I am coming with you I have been looking for some sort of adventure” “Ok was my reply”. Knowing Mitch as I do I knew he was serious. Now this is a big commitment as Mitch had no bike and not really ridden that much from his early 20’s. I return back to the UAE, then a couple of days later Mitch emails me to say he is off to buy 1200 gs. So we are now doing all the planning over Skype.

I thought I would fit in one last trip to the Oman for a week of on road off road camping and hotels. Unfortunately on day 2 the start motor broke so had to Bump start it off road down a hill, so glad I was the other side of Muscat. Seven hours later I was back in Dubai a fun journey not being able to turn off the bike and filling up with fuel and having to keep the fuel cap open.Back in Dubai Strip the bike at Sean’s place (Gecko Motorcycle Dubai) as I could use the frame they have, put in a new clutch gear box and engine seals while it was in half. And 6000 dirhams later all done. The bike will go in for a full service at BMW Dubai before I go as I do not now have any tools here.